IRAQI LETTER is a blog dedicated to news reports and viewpoints of Iraqi democrats and Left activists. It endeavours to cover important events and relevant activities of Iraqi democratic groups inside Iraq and abroad.
IRAQI LETTER hopes to contribute to a better understanding of the current complex and difficult situation in Iraq, and the multifaceted struggle of Iraqi democrats for a free, fully sovereign, unified, democratic and federal Iraq.

Sunday, 12 March 2017

Interview with Comrade Salam
Ali, member of the Central Committee of the Iraqi Communist Party, with “Nameh
Mardom”, the central organ of the Tudeh Party of Iran, published on 6 March
2017.

1-Perhaps
we could start this interview with a question about the developments in the war
to defeat ISIS in Mosul and expel them from Iraq. The news is that the Iraqi
forces have recaptured Mosul airport and areas in the west of the city. Could
you please tell us about the significance of these developments for future of
Iraq's security in relation to the presence of foreign military presence,
specifically the US.

The battle for the liberation of the city of Mosul
from Daesh (the so-called Isis) is continuing, after successfully retaking the
eastern side. The Iraqi armed forces have already seized back Mosul airport, a
big military camp and three districts. The battle’s outcome is of enormous
political significance for Iraq, as it will contribute to shaping the political
landscape post-Daesh. The country will be facing several challenges after the
military defeat of Daesh. These include the ability of the security forces to
curtail the operations of terrorist sleeper cells, the fate of para-military
formations; the future of “disputed territories” between the federal government
and the Kurdistan regional government (KRG); and plans that have been put
forward with regard to Nineveh province to split it up into several provinces.
In addition, there is the need for concrete measures to achieve societal and
national reconciliation and build civil peace, as well as confronting schemes
aimed at dividing up Iraq.

The military successes that have been achieved so
far are important steps along the path of liberating all Iraqi towns and
regions from the scourge of terrorism, achieving security and stability, and ensuring
the return of more than three million displaced people and refugees to their
towns and homes.

A major factor behind the successes achieved in the
battlefield has been the good level of cooperation between the Iraqi army, the
Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and the Peshmerga (of the KRG). Iraq has
received international support for the fight against Daesh in accordance with
relevant UN Security Council resolutions. In the military field, this support
has focused mainly on providing training and advice to the Iraqi armed forces.
The Iraqi government has rejected the deployment of foreign, including US,
combat troops and has reaffirmed its opposition to the presence of foreign
bases.

2. There
are reports that Kurdish Peshmerga and Shiite militias are providing important
backups for the war efforts against ISIS. Could you please explain their role
and whether there are any differences of focus between different contingents of
the forces operating against ISIS?

The
military plan for the liberation of Mosul has so far ensured a well-coordinated
effort between the Iraqi armed forces, Peshmerga and PMF. The army and federal
police have been allocated the task of liberating the city of Mosul itself,
with backup provided by the Peshmerga to the east and by the PMF to the west.
The latter is engaging Daesh in the area around the town of Tal Afar, west of
Mosul, and is cutting off its routes to the Syrian borders. The military
cooperation between the federal government and KRG, however, is not matched by
a similar level of political and economic cooperation. This is one aspect of
the overall deep political crisis in Iraq, which would have to be resolved in a
peaceful manner between the two sides through dialogue based on the
constitution.

It is
important to point out that the PMF is not just made up of “Shiite militias”
but also include volunteers who joined these units during a critical moment in
mid. 2014 in order to combat Daesh, and they gave sacrifices and martyrs in
subsequent battles. It is seen as a temporary institution, under the authority
of the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi armed forces (the prime minister), and
its job would come to an end with the defeat of Daesh. Meanwhile, elements
within PMF that instigate sectarian tendencies and violate the law must be
purged and firmly dealt with. It is of utmost importance that the existence of
militias and paramilitary forces outside the control of the state should end.

3. Iraq
has suffered heavily as a result of the sectarian strife and the fact that
powerful regional forces such as Saudi Arabia, Iran and Turkey are
fighting a proxy war in in the country, as in Yemen and Syria. How do you
assess the chance of Iraqi government overcoming such influences and pursuing a
national sovereign policy?

The Iraqi
government is attempting to avoid taking sides and getting dragged into the
regional axes and shifting alliances, led by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran,
that have deepened sectarian polarization in the whole region. This task has
been made even more difficult with the deep internal political crisis caused by
the sectarian-ethnic quota system that was imposed on Iraq after the US war and
invasion in 2003. The ruling political groups that share power on the basis of
this system, as well as pursuing sectarian politics, have close connections to
the above-mentioned regional powers and many are subservient to them. Political
infighting among these groups, over power and wealth, have opened the door to
external interference which has turned Iraq into a battlefield for proxy wars.
This has been further complicated by the arrival of the new American
administration led by Donald Trump and its escalating confrontation with Iran.
The escalation of tensions between the US and Iran will create additional
problems for the Iraqi government and the management of its relations with both
sides. The recent developments on regional and international levels could have
serious repercussions for Iraq, not only in its ongoing battle against
terrorist Daesh, but also for Iraq’s future post-Daesh.

4. There
were major demonstrations in Baghdad two weeks ago in protest against
corruption and the undemocratic electoral system, in which a number of
demonstrators were killed. What is really the main grievance of the people with
regard to current administration of prime minister Haider Al-Abadi?

Mass
demonstrations and rallies have continued in Tahrir (Liberation) Square in
central Baghdad and in other provinces since late July 2015. They have voiced
popular demands against corruption and the sectarian-ethnic quota system, and
have called for urgent political reforms and judicial reforms, as well as the
provision of basic services. The peaceful demonstrations increasingly condemned
sectarian politics and called for a democratic civil state as the alternative.

Recent
demonstrations in Baghdad also demanded replacing the Electoral Commission with
a truly independent commission that is not based on the sectarian-ethnic
system. The protestors called for a just electoral law, opposing attempts by
the ruling blocs and their representatives in parliament to amend the existing
current law for the provincial elections (which are supposed to take place next
September) with the aim of effectively raising the electoral threshold and
ensuring that civil democratic forces are marginalized. A big demonstration on
Saturday 11 February 2017, raising these just demands, was brutally attacked by
shadowy armed elements within the security forces. Live bullets, as well as
plastic bullets and tear gas, were used. The death toll has now reached 12
people, and hundreds were injured. The prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, ordered
an investigation into the shooting, but nothing has come out of it. A huge
demonstration took place a few days later in Liberation Square, protesting
against the killings and carrying symbolic coffins, demanding that those
responsible for the crime be brought to justice.

It is
important to point out that the popular protest movement emerged against a
background of a deep political, economic and social crisis. Social and class
inequalities have deepened as a result of the big polarization in the distribution
of incomes and wealth. Our party has fully supported the protest movement and
its legitimate demands. We believe that true reform, which is the first step
towards achieving change in the political, economic and social structure, can
only be achieved through escalating popular pressure.

5. Iraqi
CP had its 10th National Congress in December 2016. What were
the main outcomes of this congress and what will be the main focus of the
party's struggle in short and the medium terms?

The 10th
National Congress of the party was held in Baghdad during the period 1 - 3
December 2016, under the slogan “Change .. For a Democratic Federal Civil State
and Social Justice”. The Congress elaborated the party’s vision for change
through achieving the democratic civil alternative.

The
desired change can only be brought about through building a system of a
political alternative that breaks the monopoly of power which is based on
secondary identities and reproducing them. The democratic civil alternative
would ensure rebuilding the economy, society and state on a new basis; a state
based essentially on the principle of citizenship, with all its citizens
enjoying equality, without discrimination on the basis of gender, race,
ethnicity, colour, religion, sect, creed, opinion or social and economic
status. It is a state of institutions and law that provides a dignified life to
its citizens through comprehensive social security, thus providing a reasonable
measure of social justice, and emphasises the interconnection between political
and social democracy.

The path
towards true reform and change, and achieving a federal democratic civil state
that ensures social justice, requires a persistent and accumulative struggle in
order to achieve the desired change in the balance of political forces in
favour of the project for change and its supporters. This can be achieved
through establishing a strong civil democratic movement, building national
supra-sectarian alliances, and mobilising a broad spectrum of forces that are
supportive of reform and change. In this endeavour, we need to strengthen the
role of the democratic forces, continue the peaceful, organised and disciplined
popular pressure, broadening its ranks and drawing into it new popular strata.
Combating corruption is a major factor in this struggle. It is also important
to prepare for the forthcoming provincial and also the parliamentary elections
in 2018.

These
tasks require exerting greater efforts to strengthen the Iraqi Communist Party
and its organisations, enhancing its performance on all levels, building a
broad network of relations with the masses, and defending the interests of the
working people and toilers.

6. What
is the Party's view about regional impact of Trump's administration's foreign
policy realignment with Turkey and Saudi Arabia? Where would Iraq fit into
this?

As
pointed out in the reply to Q.3 above, the initial moves of the new US
administration raise grave fears of further destabilisation of the Middle East,
supporting Israel’s aggressive policy towards the Palestinian people, deepening
sectarian polarization and escalating tensions and confrontation with Iran.
These moves have been welcomed by Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies. Such
developments could have serious repercussions for the peoples and countries of
a region that is already suffering terrorism, military intervention and proxy
wars waged by regional and international powers. There is a danger of expanding
US military interference in the area, thus exerting greater pressure for direct
military presence and sending combat troops. The Iraqi people, along with other
peoples in the region, will be the victims of such warmongering policies of
imperialism and its reactionary allies in the region. It is therefore of utmost
importance for Iraq to resist such pressures, and to strive to build good and
peaceful relations with all its neighbours, based on cooperation, mutual
respect and interests, and non-interference in internal affairs.

7. The
indications are that within next few months an independent Kurdish state could
be formed. What is ICP's position on this issue?

Let me
point out first that the Iraqi Communist Party continues to support the right
of self-determination to the Kurdish people, and to all peoples, small and big.
It has strived under all conditions to develop this general position in
specific formulations that take into account the
existing political reality and the conditions of society, the external
developments and factors that surround them, and the relevant balance of forces
in Iraq. Therefore, while respecting the will of the Kurdish people and their
legitimate desire, the party developed specific positions and slogans that
reflected the need to satisfy the legitimate national rights of the Kurdish
people, first in autonomy and finally calling for federalism for Iraqi
Kurdistan within a unified federal and democratic Iraq. This position was
endorsed by the Iraqi opposition forces before the fall of the dictatorship in
2003, and was later stipulated in the permanent constitution in 2005.

Our party considers federalism to be the appropriate
and democratic solution for the Kurdish national issue in the present concrete
conditions of Iraq. The new federal experience, with its complexity and the
internal and external challenges it is facing, therefore requires a continuous
constructive dialogue to resolve the problems and differences that arise. It is
also very important to resist the influence of chauvinist and racist elements, narrow
nationalist positions and sabotage by external forces that do not want to see
Iraq being stable, democratic and unified on the basis of respect for pluralism
and diversity. This desire by our party and the efforts it exerted in this
direction have faced obstacles by the ruling political forces that are defending
narrow interests produced by the infamous sectarian-ethnic quota system.

The relations between the federal government and the Kurdistan
regional government (KRG) became more tense as a result of the accumulation of
unresolved problems, unfulfilled agreements and other harmful measures for
which both sides are responsible. This has been further complicated by the
onslaught of terrorist Daesh in 2014 and the resulting displacement of millions
of people, placing a heavy burden on the Kurdistan region. All this coincided
with the reduced financial resources of the state after the drop in oil price
and austerity measures.

We believe that the priority at present is to focus on
combating terrorism, building democracy and its institutions and activating
dialogue. This is the right path to strengthen the experience of federalism, so
as serve the rights of the Kurdish people and the whole of the Iraqi people.

This
morning, Saturday 11 February 2017, thousands of our Iraqi people rallied in a
peaceful demonstration in Tahrir (Liberation) Square in central Baghdad. Their
statements, slogans and chants expressed their determination to continue their
march on the path of reform and change and combating corruption. Demonstrators
demanded the dissolution of the Electoral Commission and the formation of a new
commission that is truly independent, away from the quota system, ensuring that
the candidates for its board of trustees are characterized by integrity,
credibility, professionalism and impartiality. They also called upon the
parliament to legislate a fair and equitable election law that expands
participation in decision-making, is non-exclusionary, does not impose the
hegemony and domination of certain forces and blocs, and protects the voice of
the voters and safeguards their will in choosing their representatives.

Unfortunately,
these demands and appeals throughout the past period were not heeded by the
ruling forces that resorted to procrastination, under various pretexts. As a
result, protests have continued and widened, with diverse demands, including various
social strata and spreading to several provinces and cities.

Rather
than complying and taking concrete measures to achieve reform, and proceeding ahead
toward its objectives as demanded by the masses, and without learning the
lessons of previous painful experiences, the demonstrators were confronted
without warning with live ammunition, as well as the heavy use of rubber
bullets and tear gas, at a time when the demonstrators were loudly chanting "Peaceful
... Peaceful". This excessive and extensive use of violence led to a
number of fatalities among the demonstrators in addition to dozens wounded, victims
of rubber bullets and tear gas. This reflects the deliberate use of excessive
force and cruelty which is totally unjustified.

We
condemn, in the strongest words, the use of force and violence in dealing with
peaceful demonstrations that are guaranteed by the law and the Constitution and
that are making just demands. We hold the
Prime Minister directly responsible for this, being the Commander in Chief of
the Armed Forces. He must immediately reveal the identity of those who gave the
orders to shoot and use violence in contravention of his directives to the
security forces to protect the demonstrators. An investigative committee must
be set up that should include in its membership representatives of the
protesters or judges acting on their behalf.

The
consequences of what has happened today must not be dealt with as it has in the
past, because this will deepen the divide between citizens and state agencies
and institutions, and will aggravate the atmosphere of mistrust at a time when
there is desperate need for building it on the basis of transparency,
credibility and support for the just and peaceful demands of the people.

We
express full solidarity with the families of the martyrs, wishing the injured a
speedy recovery. We are certain and confident that bullets, whether they are live
or rubber, will not weaken the will of the people and their yearning for a
better life.